Almost nothing was off-limits in the music of the 1960s. Whether it was a love song, a sad song, or just a feel-good tune, the music of the 1960s remains one of the best eras in music. These are three of the best songs that came out in 1964. The lyrics didn’t make much sense, but we still love them today.
“C’mon And Swim” by Bobby Freeman
The title track of Bobby Freeman’s fourth and final album, “C’mon And Swim” was written by Thomas Coman and Sylvester Stewart. Although it may seem like it’s about being in the water, the song is actually about a dance.
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The simple lyrics say in part, “C’mon everybody, c’mon in / Bobby’s gonna show you how to do the swim / Kinda like The Monkey, kinda like The Twist / Pretend you’re in the water and you go like this / Now baby, swim / Baby, do The Swim.”
“C’mon And Swim” is Freeman’s second and final Top 5 single on the pop charts. The first was “Do You Want To Dance”, Freeman’s debut single. Numerous artists later covered “C’mon And Swim”, including Ray Anthony, Billy Strange, and Martha and the Vandellas.
“Bread And Butter” by The Newbeats
“Bread And Butter” is the first single by The Newbeats. It is also their biggest hit. On their freshman Bread & Butter album, “Bread And Butter” was written by Larry Parks and Jay Turnbow.
The song says, “Well, she don’t cook mashed potatoes / She don’t cook T-bone steaks / She don’t feed me peanut butter / She knows that I can’t take / He likes bread and butter / He likes toast and jam / That’s what his baby feeds him / He’s her loving man.”
“Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” by Major Lance
“Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” is the title track of Major Lance’s sophomore record. His only No. 1 R&B single, “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” also became a Top 5 pop single. It later became part of Major Lance’s Greatest Hits Recorded Live at the Torch, out in 1973.
“Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” says, “Walking through the park, it wasn’t quite dark / There was a man sitting on a bench / Out of the crowd as his head lowly bowed / He just moaned and he made no sense / He’d just go / Um, um, um, um, um, um / Um, um, um, um, um, um / Um, um, um, um, um, um / Um, um, um, um, um, um.”
Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns
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American soft rock duo Seals and Crofts performing live on stage circa 1972. They are Dash Crofts (left) and Jim Seals. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
Joni was met by Graham Nash a member of the American group, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. December 1969 Z12489-001 (Photo by WATFORD/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
LONDON, UK – 1975: British heavy metal band Black Sabbath L-R Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne pose for a portrait in 1975 in London, UK. (Photo by Roger Morton/Cleopatra Records/Getty Images) -
Musician and lead vocalist Steve Walsh of the progressive rock band Kansas is shown performing on stage during a live concert appearance on January 25, 1992, Connecticut. (Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images) -
1983: British actress, comediand and singer Tracey Ullman. (Photo by BSR Agency/Gentle Look via Getty Images) -
LONDON, ENGLAND – 1964: Rock and roll band 'The Beatles' pose for a portrait wearing suits in circa 1964. (L-R) Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
UNITED STATES – MAY 09: Photo of Bob DYLAN; performing live onstage at the benefit for ousted Chileans: Felt Forum, New York (Photo by Steve Morley/Redferns) -
RHODE ISLAND – JULY 27: Country singer/songwriter Johnny Cash performs onstage at the New Folk Festival on July 27, 1968 in Newport, Rhode Island. (Photo by Julie Snow/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)